Long Term Care Ombudsman
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was created to help address the quality of care and quality of life experienced by people living in facilities Licensed as a Nursing Home, Adult Foster Care or Home for the Aged.
Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Ombudsman Program works to improve the long-term care system by representing the interests of long term care residents and monitor the development of federal, state, and local regulations and policies. The program is authorized in the Older Americans Act and the Older Michiganians Act.
Under Michigan Law, the Ombudsman is authorized and empowered to investigate complaints and advocate for people living in facilities Licensed as a Nursing Home, Adult Foster Care (AFC) or Home For the Aged (HFA). The primary role of the local Ombudsman is to provide direct assistance and advocacy for people living in these licensed settings.
Keep in mind that “Assisted Living” is a non-regulated marketing term used by many facilities in their name and services, but the term does not necessarily mean it has one of these State Licenses. The Ombudsman does not have access authorities to non-licensed settings.
Local Ombudsmen work with individual residents to resolve problems and promote high-quality care. They provide a community presence by routinely visiting residents of long term care facilities.
Most importantly, with resident consent, or based on the consent of their legal representative, in that order, the Ombudsman is able to take direct action on their behalf in licensed settings. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.
Resident’s may also pursue action on their own and seek confidential consultation with the Ombudsman on strategies, resources and standards for resolving concerns in licensed facilities.
Ombudsmen are skilled in:
- Explaining residents’ rights
- Empowering residents to communicate their concerns individually or collectively
- Assisting in the resolution of resident concerns
- Promoting community education and awareness regarding long term care issues
- Promoting the use of best practices and,
- Seeking solutions to identified problems within the long-term care system
When to call an ombudsman
- When you have unresolved questions or concerns about care in a licensed facility.
- When you have questions about your rights in a long term care licensed facility.
- When you have questions on alternatives to nursing home care.
- When you want to learn more about best practices and creative solutions to problems in long term care settings.
- When you are shopping for long term care services.
- When you have questions or need technical expertise on long term care issues.
- When you want to schedule a presentation on issues related to long term care.
General inquiries about services, support, options and non-licensed home settings
To file a confidential complaint with State AFC or HFA Licensing
For Additional Information
Long Term Care Ombudsman – State of Michigan
Click Here
Elder Law of Michigan
1-866-400-9164